20 weeks jail following fatal collision in Wareham that resulted in death of cyclist

Laura Brayshaw, 27, of Queens Road on Portland was jailed for 20 weeks at Bournemouth Crown Court on 6 January after pleading guilty to causing death by careless driving. She also admitted to driving while unfit through drugs in relation to a separate incident.

She was disqualified from driving for 20 months.

The court heard that at around 6pm on Sunday 3 April 2016 Brayshaw was driving along the A352 in Worgret with her three young daughters in the rear passenger seats. She became distracted by her children and turned around to tell the youngest off for throwing popcorn.

The court was told she left the road to the nearside and mounted a grass verge before travelling diagonally across the road into the path of cyclist Richard Ellis. Brayshaw’s car came to rest on the other side of the road after it went into a garden and a parked car.

Mr Ellis, a 58-year-old grandfather, was riding his Cannondale during the final stage of the Audex 130-mile cycle event in Dorset. He suffered serious injuries to his leg and lower torso and was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, he died two days later.

Brayshaw and her three daughters were uninjured.

Police Constable Mark Farrow, of the Traffic Unit, said: “Laura Brayshaw’s driving that day fell well below the standard expected and her momentary lapse in concentration led to catastrophic consequences.

“Many drivers, in particular parents, will experience distraction from passengers. Sadly Richard died because Brayshaw was distracted by her children and took her eye off the road. His death was entirely avoidable. Our thoughts remain with Richard’s family.”

The court also heard that on 27 August a member of the public contacted Dorset Police to report the manner of driving of a green Ford Focus. Officers spoke to the driver, Laura Brayshaw. She was unable to stand unsupported and was slurring her words.

Blood analysis revealed that a number of drugs including antidepressants were found in her system. Alcohol was also present. A forensic analysist concluded that while none of the drugs or alcohol were over the prescribed limit, Brayshaw’s driving would have been severely affected by the combined effects of alcohol and prescribed medicinal drugs. This combination rendered her unfit to drive.

PC Farrow added, “Finally, I would like to remind motorists to be aware of the effect prescribed medication and alcohol can have on your ability to drive. If you are in any doubt, do not get behind the wheel.”

In a statement, Mr Ellis’ family said: “Richard was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle and he is missed everyday by all his family. He was taken from us so tragically and suddenly doing something he loved. He was a keen distance cyclist and was liked and admired by many cyclists. We are all very proud of all his many achievements, both in the UK and abroad, and treasure the memories we have.

“Distractions whilst driving can have catastrophic consequences, the law needs to be changed to allow tougher sentences for those who drive carelessly. All drivers have a fundamental responsibility to ensure they do not put themselves or others in danger.”